ASCEND Programme for Ethnically Minoritised groups

ASCEND - Access, Support, Capacity, Empowerment, Network, and Development

With funding from Dormant Assets NI through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Access to Resilience Programme, we will provide tailored support to small VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise).

Seven organisations will participate each year and support will be delivered through a combination of mentoring, one-to-one coaching, training sessions, and networking events. Areas of focus include leadership development, good governance, fundraising, measuring impact, collaboration, and sustainability. Participating organisations also have access to GrantTracker and review of their governing document. If you are interested in hearing more about this programme please contact Lynda Gould the Project Co-ordinator - [email protected]

We are having an online information session on 7 March please register to come to find out more about the programme.

Criteria for organisations to apply for this programme

• Represent ethnically minoritised people in NI
• Committed to fully engaging in the programme – 5 half day bespoke sessions with your organisations and 4 learning events per year
• Committed to using the learning to develop and strengthen your organisation

This Programme offers your organisation:

•  5 training/mentoring sessions designed specifically for your organisation 
• 4 learning events per year with other organisations on the programme.
•  A review of your governing document
• Ongoing support and advice from NICVA 
• Networking and learning new skills
• One year subscription to GrantTracker GrantTracker
• £500 incentive when you complete the programme

What will be expected of your organisation?

• Participation in the 5 training/mentoring sessions identified by your organisation. 
• Attendance at 4 learning events over the course of the year 
• Motivation, it is important that your organisation has the motivation to learn and develop and is willing to apply the learning from the Programme
• Actively network and share knowledge with other participating groups.
• Contribute to the evaluation of the programme.

Application process

1. Contact Lynda Gould to discuss and get an expression of interest form  mailto:[email protected]
2. Complete an expression of interest (EOI) form 
3. NICVA will inform the organisations of the outcome by email.
4. Lynda will contact the successful applicants to discuss the expression of interest and participation in the Programme.

For further information 

Please contact Lynda Gould ASCEND Project Coordinator

 [email protected]

Tel: 028 9087 7777